Tyrese is a proud young Taungurung and Kurnai man with a warm manner and great sense of humour.
As an alumnus of the Ngarra Jarra Leadership Academy, Tyrese demonstrated a remarkable commitment to his cultural journey and was a natural leader. In 2024, Tyrese joined Buldau Yioohgen as a mentor, supporting his community and sharing his knowledge with the next cohort of young Mob. While anxious and lacking confidence to start, in the past year he has had a huge positive impact on his peers, his mob, and his community.
“There are the main things that you can see in the physical world, the artefacts, the paintings, the storylines, and the songlines. And then there’s the bigger aspect – the cultural values, the family stories.” – Tyrese
Tyrese’s reconnection to culture has led to him being part of the Boorun Boys, a dance group on Gunaikurnai Country representing many mobs, including Wakka Wakka, Wurundjeri, Yorta Yorta, Gunaikurnai, Brabiralung, Taungurung, and Dharawal. The name ‘Boorun’ comes from Kuri dreaming, meaning pelican, one of their many totems. The group is bringing back traditional songlines and leading a revival of 60,000 years of Culture.
“Culture feels like a lot of things,” Tyrese said. “There are the main things that you can see in the physical world, the artefacts, the paintings, the storylines, and the songlines. And then there’s the bigger aspect – the cultural values, the family stories.”
More recently, Tyrese was celebrated at the Volunteering Victoria awards, where he was recognised with the Young Volunteer Award. Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence presented the awards at a ceremony in Melbourne in February 2025, recognising eight exceptional volunteers who have made an invaluable contribution to Victoria.
The Buldau Yioohgen Ngarra Jarra Leadership Academy’s mission is to build the leaders of tomorrow by providing opportunities for young people to develop their skills, confidence, and cultural identity. It’s inspiring to see Tyrese build on his own skills, confidence and knowledge and continue to share that that with others, fostering pride and empowerment in those who come after him.
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